Injuries were part of my job during military service - turns out the body keeps count and now in later years I have to pay the price! So yesterday found me back in hospital for yet another surgery. Just prior to theatre, my old friend ‘fear’ showed its face again. Not fear not of pain, but of uncertainty - what if the operation doesn’t work? I reminded myself that if I don’t try then things will definitely get worse.

Fear isn’t weakness. It means you care about the outcome. So when your courage is challenged by physical and mental uncertainty, keep climbing - because a brighter place might be just over the next hill.

Now after surgery comes the pain. Though as with any obstacles overcome, it becomes easier to look forward to what’s on the other side of the hill!